Posted on 5th January, 2024 at 12:25:59 AM
CARDIAC CATHETERISATION AND CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY:
This is a diagnostic procedure. Long, slender, flexible tubes called catheters are inserted usually through the groin and passed through the vessels into the heart chambers and into the arteries supplying the heart (coronary arteries). Pressures inside the heart chambers are measured and a dye is injected to visualise the coronary arteries for any evidence of narrowing.
CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY WITH STENTING:
Angina and heart attack result from narrowing or occlusion of coronary arteries. In selected cases, passing a balloon through the artery may open up a narrowed coronary artery. Deployment of an artificial mesh (stent) helps to keep the artery open.
PERIPHERAL ANGIOPLASTY:
Balloon catheters passed through skin can open up narrowed arteries in the limbs, neck or kidneys. Lasting benefit is possible in majority of cases.
PULMONARY AND MITRAL BALLOON VALVULOPLASTY:
A narrowed heart valve is opened up by the passage of a balloon passed through the skin under local anaesthesia, thereby reducing the risk and morbidity of a surgical procedure. Outcome is very similar to surgery.
SINGLE AND DUAL CHAMBER PERMANENT PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION:
Implantation of pacemaker becomes necessary where there is abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart resulting in heart block or abnormal heart rhythm. Depending on the type of abnormality, a single or dual chamber pacemaker may be prescribed.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY STUDY (EPS):
This is a diagnostic test that helps management of patients with abnormal heart rhythm. Thin, long catheters are inserted through neck or groin into the heart with a view to reproduce the rhythm disturbances, locate the site of abnormal rhythm, predict the efficacy of drug therapy and plan further management.
RADIOFREQUENCY CATHETER ABLATION:
An almost painless procedure which can cure electrical short circuits in the heart. Useful in selected patients with abnormally fast heart rhythms.
ICD:
It is a device which is useful in patients with history of or high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. It is implanted just like a pacemaker. It constantly analyses the heart rhythm and in case of cardiac arrest it reverts the heart rhythm to normal by delivering an electric shock. Moreover, it also provides a backup pacemaker function if the heart rate drops.
CARDIAC RESYNCHRONISATION THERAPY (CRT / BIVENTRICULAR PACEMAKER):
It is a special variety of pacemakers which is useful in patients with heart failure who are not responding to medical treatment. It improves the pumping efficiency of the heart. Not only does it improve symptoms but also prognosis in selected cases.
